If you're ready for a new job or career, be prepared to do the work. It's probably not going to happen by accident, and helping you is not a priority for others. Set goals for yourself, make a marketing plan, and be prepared to work a certain number of hours per week. Ideally, job search should be treated as a full-time job. Here's some tips on what NOT to do:
1. Send an email with your CV attached to everyone on your database. It is annoying to receive these emails and it shows that you haven't done your homework. Especially, when it's addressed Dear Sir when the receiver is a woman!
2. Wait to be recognized. Hard work on your part doesn't necessarily mean getting a promotion, raise or job offer. You need to market yourself as if you were a product.
3. Call up hiring managers and ask for an appointment. This only works if you have done your research about the company and spoken to employees who work in the department or do similar jobs as the one you are looking for. Ask for an introduction instead of contacting them yourself. Otherwise, you take the chance of being shut down.
4. Harass everyone you meet. You will appear desperate. Instead, make a plan and be prepared. Ask friends and family to help you and give them information to help you. Follow up with them, but don't harass them!
5. Lie on your CV or get someone else to write your CV. Your CV should be a reflection of your personality and character, not just a list of things you've done.
Know that you're going to be knocked down in this process. Don't give up. It's not too late to find or develop your ideal career. Working with a career coach will help you stay focused and accountable.
